Experimental investigation on deformation and strength of carbon/epoxy laminated curved beams

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 520 - 526
• Main Authors: Hao, Wenfeng, Ge, Dongyun, Ma, Yinji, Yao, Xuefeng, Shi, Yue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kindlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Carbon; Carbon-epoxy composites; Curvature; Curved beams; Deformation; Delamination; Digital speckle correlation method; Exact sciences and technology; Four-point-bending; Interlaminar; Interlaminar deformation; Laminated curved beam; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Strain; Strength; Technology of polymers; Four-point-bending; Digital speckle correlation method; Delamination; Laminated curved beam; Interlaminar deformation; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Polymer; Mineral fiber; Composite material; Mechanism; Rupture strength; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2012.02.003

Both the deformation and strength of carbon/epoxy laminated curved beams with variable curvature and thickness are studied experimentally using the Digital Speckle Correlation Method (DSCM) and a Four-Point-Bending test configuration. First, the relationships between the strain and the applied load on the curved beams with different thicknesses and different radius-thickness ratios are studied. Second, both the failure strength and the maximum interlaminar radial stresses of the curved beams are determined, and the distribution and evolution of full field strain in the laminated curved beams are obtained using DSCM. Finally, the interlaminar deformation and delamination mechanisms of carbon/epoxy laminated curved beams are analyzed. These results play an important role for predicting strength and evaluating lifetime of laminated curved beams.